Where are the Best Outdoor Lunch Spots in Brighton?
We’ve made it through the UK’s toughest lockdown, not to mention winter. What better way to celebrate than with the return of glorious team lunches – a fundamental part of every business’s culture!
Indoor dining is back, but understandably many of us are apprehensive to do this on the regular. Or, perhaps you just want to feel the sun on your back whilst enjoying Brighton’s finest lunchtime eats. Here are our top picks of those who have gone above and beyond to provide the safe, delicious and speedy dining experience.
Here are Projects’ Top Five picks for outdoor dining:
1. The Salt Room £££
With one of the best views of the West Pier and the i360, The Salt Room’s black terrace feels sleek and modern. It’s prepared for all weather, with electric heaters suspended above the cushioned dining chairs. The open-top roof is perfect for sunny days, with clear tarp at the ready so you can still enjoy the view come wind or rain. Voted one of Brighton’s best restaurants, expect your taste buds to be pampered with barbequed fish, fresh veg and tartare sauce.
Ideal for those special team lunches or to wow a new business prospect. Booking advised.
2. Cafe Coho ££
Cafe Coho’s rustic tables spill out onto Ship Street – a popular spot with good reason – getting a table is pure luck. Best known for their expresso and rich coffee, but their food counter is packed with goodies, including plenty of veggie and vegan options. For a light bite, try the croissants, which are buttery and warmed to perfection. They also have more substantial brunch style options. Pop in, make your order, then take a seat in the sun and let the friendly staff do the rest.
Best for a casual light lunch treat.
Squeezed between the shops of Duke Street, you won’t miss the twin parasols and upbeat tunes coming from Honest Burgers. Framed by a couple of wooden planters, the flaming heaters and cosy tables create a feel-good atmosphere that is so needed right now. The menu caters omnivores and vegans, with a specialty just-for-Brighton burger and local beer.
To be enjoyed in good company only, things can get deliciously messy.
4. 17_Grams ££
You couldn’t miss this café if you tried – embedded in the Alice and Wonderland mural of Hannington’s Lane, 17_Grams occupies arguably the most iconic corner in The Lanes. Sit down next to the White Rabbit and scan the QR code to look at the menu, which has a broad selection of vegan options that come in large portions at a very fair price. With The Lanes buzzing all around you, you’ll be reminded of the good old, pre-pandemic days. Great for an upbeat work lunch with an Insta-worthy backdrop.
If your lockdown has gone anything like ours, you’re probably sick of takeaway pizza. At first glance Franco Manca’s outdoor dining appears modest, with only a few tables beside the entrance. However, the real gem is the terrace — seating up to 48 guests, the industrial space (former carpark) is well put to use, with space heaters and an awning for rough weather. It gets bonus points for being dog friendly! With freshly made pizza dough plus a range of vegan and gluten-free options, you can’t really go wrong. Reliably great food in a dash if you’re short on time.
Honorary Mention: Rockwater ££
In Hove, Rockwater’s beach deck stretches across the pebbles right beside the ocean. It has plenty of seating in wood-panelled booths and on picnic tables, all alongside stunning views and fresh, seasonal seafood. With their roof terrace opening on May 1st, for which they’re currently taking table reservations, we simply had to shout them out for their effort to create a fantastic outdoor dining experience.
We hope this helps you navigate the new world of outside dining. There are dozens of amazing spots popping up all over city with innovative solutions to social distancing, all within walking distance of our office. Let us know your favourites and we’ll be sure to update! Bon Appetit.